Each Memorial Day, we honor our fallen heroes.

This national holiday is also the start of the summer travel season.

If you're planning on getting away for a little summer fun - whether near or far - you'll want to read on.

See, it's very important to take the preparedness mindset on the road with you. When you prepare accordingly, you'll get the most out of your summer fun - and stay safe and healthy.

HOW TO PREPARE YOURSELF FOR MORE SUMMER FUN

Fun. It's not something a lot of folks associate with the "prepper" stereotype.

Well, you and I both know that almost all of us in the preparedness community are not shut-ins living off in the mountains somewhere.

Just like everyone, we enjoy getting away from home for new adventures, relaxing and having fun.

You shouldn't feel obligated to saddle yourself with tons of emergency gear (that would not be fun).

However, it's important to focus on the essentials and be prepared should you run into a crisis during your vacation.

So, here are the two essential things you should focus on.

1. Water

   We all know how essential water is for any survival or emergency situation.

   When traveling, there are greater risks associated with drinking contaminated water.

   In fact, there's a catch-all term given to bacterial or viral infections contracted while traveling: Traveler's Diarrhea (or TD for short). This also goes by "Montezuma's Revenge" and "Delhi Belly."

   That's why it's especially important to bring water filtration with you when traveling internationally or to remote regions. It is estimated that TD affects 40-60% of travelers from industrialized nations who visit developing countries. While TD isn't usually life-threatening, the symptoms can easily take all the fun out of a nice trip.

   Almost anywhere you travel - even in the U.S. - drinking water from a new source can cause discomfort.

   You can avoid all of these things by carrying a water filtration system with you every time you travel.

   Carrying a filter also lightens the load on hiking or camping trips because carrying all the water you need is very heavy.

   The media stereotype is that "preppers" are all living alone off in the woods somewhere. We all know that, for the majority of us, this isn't true. But a lot of folks underestimate who they're really preparing for.

   Carrying a filter also lightens the load on hiking or camping trips because carrying all the water you need is very heavy.

   At My Patriot Supply, we've developed not one but two powerful filtration systems that are perfect for travel.

   First, The Alexapure Go is our go-to sports bottle filter. It can filter up to 300 gallons, giving you safe, clean water from the gym to 3rd-world restaurants. Kids can take on school field trips, hikes, camping outings and more. If you're planning on being active this summer, take the Go everywhere you do! To learn more about the Go, click here.